This blog was created for Niles Animal Hospital & Bird Medical Center by Peter S. Sakas DVM in an effort to provide information & discussion about animal related issues. It may move into some eccentric directions on occasion if the mood strikes me as I get more comfortable in this form of communication. I am open to suggestions & comments about the blog. Also view our hospital website www.nilesanimalhospital.com or Facebook page Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center.

Friday, May 23, 2014

California Reportedly Leading the Nation in Pot Poisonings Among Pet Dogs

Anyone surprised?

California Reportedly Leading the Nation in Pot Poisonings Among Pet Dogs

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) – An increasing number of dogs are being
rushed to Bay Area emergency veterinary clinics after eating marijuana
intended for human consumption. Experts say dogs left untreated after
ingesting pot can suffer serious consequences, including coma and death.

“It’s a drug like any other prescribed drug and (the results) can be
very serious,” veterinarian Sean Wells told ConsumerWatch. “We see
between two and three cases a week.”

That’s up from about one case a month several years ago.

Other veterinary clinics around the Bay Area report a similar rise.

A study by Trupanion, a company that sells pet insurance, finds
California is now the number one state in the nation for
marijuana-related pet health claims.

Washington and New York are second and third, respectively. Colorado, where pot was legalized last year, ranks fourth.

Ingesting marijuana can be traumatic for a pooch, according to Dr. Wells.

“They don’t understand. They eat something and now they feel really strange. They feel really sick.”

He says, in most cases, the animal will need to be closely observed and possibly treated with a sedative, like Valium.

And don’t be afraid to take your canine in for treatment. Wells say good vets won’t make a pet owner feel uncomfortable.